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Plant Selection at the NurseryProper plant selection and placement will avoid future Ask to see the root system of the plant and look for alandscape problems. Before selecting a plant decide its well-developed root system that is not root-bound.intended purpose. For example, will it be used for Roots should be light in color and should not be growingshade, groundcover, privacy? Consider growth pattern; out of the drainage hole of the container. Do notleaf size and texture; presence of flowers, fruits, thorns; purchase a plant if girdling, kinking, or circling roots areand especially size at maturity. Determine how much found. Large plants in small containers should belandscape space is available and identify the best avoided. Good root system development is morelocation for the plant. Is the location sunny or shady? important than plant size.What are the soil conditions? Poor branch spacing Well-spaced branches Evenly netted root system Circling girdled roots Well-Developed Nursery Tree Poorly-Developed Nursery TreeSelect plants that look healthy — good tissue color, Once the plant is purchased, store it in a shady locationabsence of insects and tissue damage — and that do not keeping the roots moist; plant as soon as possible.flop around when gently shaken. Ask about the plant’scare requirements and potential problems associatedwith the plant. Select plants that are well adapted tolocal environmental stresses: low rainfall, low humidity,and alkaline soils.Look for good branching structure in trees. Avoidnarrow angled branching and poor branch spacing. Besure the tree does not bend to an extreme angle when thenursery stake is removed. Avoid trees with bark damage,and if possible choose one with small branches stillattached to the lower trunk. Be sure that the tree’s mainstem tapers towards the top (decreases in diameter).4 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 5

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Planting TechniqueConsider the mature size of a plant before choosing 1–inch depthits location. For example, a large tree should not beplanted underneath an overhead utility line! If involvedin an extensive planting project, call Blue Stake (1-800-782-5348) to determine the location of buried utilities toavoid unfortunate mishaps. Slice root ball from top to bottomWhen to Plant Bottom ofYear-round planting in the desert is possible. The ideal Root Ballplanting time, however, is late fall (except for frost with Scoressensitive species) when soil temperatures are warm and Scoring Root Ballair temperatures cooler. This encourages rapid rootestablishment. Late spring is also good, although root Place the plant in the planting hole and back fill withestablishment may be slower. native soil. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the existing soil surface.Preparation of Planting Hole Planting too deeply can cause crown rot. Do notPrepare a hole three to five times as wide as the diameter compact the soil by standing on it, use water to settle theof the root ball and no deeper than its height. If this soil.disturbs the roots of nearby plants, reduce the width totwo times the diameter of the root ball. Before plantingmake sure that the sides of the hole are rough andsloping.Fill the hole with water prior to planting to check the Soil surfacedrainage. The water should drain within 12-24 hours. If Native backfill Mulch Layercaliche or hardpan is preventing drainage, dig a chimneyor a channel through the caliche layer before planting.Soil PreparationThe addition of organic matter — compost, or forestmulch — is not necessary when planting native plantsand plants from other arid climates because they are Chimney for caliche Undisturbed native soilaccustomed to alkaline soils (high pH) which naturally Tree Plantinghave a very low percentage of organic matter. Toincrease the water holding capacity of poor soils (very After Plantingrocky and/or sandy), incorporate some fine-textured Irrigate the root ball and the planting area immediately,native soil into the planting hole. taking care that the root ball remains level with the soil surface even after irrigation. Remove the nurseryHow to Plant stake. If necessary, re-stake the plant following theRemove the plant carefully from the container without guidelines in the Tree Staking section. Avoid pruning atbreaking the root ball. Cut off any girdled, kinked, or this time. A mulch should be applied to maintain soilcircling roots with a sharp knife or pruners. Slice the moisture, but keep it a few inches away from the baseroot ball lengthwise approximately one-inch deep in of the plant. Fertilizer is not required at planting.two or three places. Nitrogen applications may actually delay root establishment.6 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 7

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Tree StakingTrees should never be permanently staked. Staked Tie Placementtrees develop weak wood and may also develop damaged Care should be taken when placing the ties. Looselybark. Staking is not necessary if the tree can support hold the tree trunk at its base. Slowly move your handsitself after the nursery stake is removed. In very windy up the trunk and determine the point at which the treelocations temporary staking may be beneficial, even if returns to an upright position. Place the tiesthe tree can support itself. If the tree cannot support approximately six inches above this point with one tie onitself, stake the tree following these guidelines: each stake. A second set of ties may be used between the base of the plant and the ties already in place if the tree isStakes still unstable.Use two stakes per tree. Round, two-inch diameterwooden poles are preferred. Do not use metal pipes or Ties should hold the trunk firmly but not restrictrebar. Stakes should be placed outside the root ball at a movement from the wind. Movement is necessary forright angle to the ground level and perpendicular to the trunk development. The trunk and tie should move as adirection of the prevailing wind. Cut the stakes a few unit. Inspect the trunk monthly for damage and looseninches above the location of the new ties to prevent the ties as the tree grows.rubbing damage to the tree. Prevailing wind Stake Stake Smooth, 2“ square wide tie or round material wooden stakes Tree trunk Tie material Overview of Staked Tree with Ties Tie Removal Install stakes in Stakes and ties should be removed as soon as undisturbed soil possible. Loosen the ties periodically to determine if the tree can support itself. Although some trees may need to Stake Placement be staked for a year or longer, most will be able to support themselves within one year.Tie MaterialTie material should be wide, smooth and elastic, forexample, polyethylene tape, plastic webbing, or wirecovered with hose or rubber tubing. Uncovered rope,wire or string will damage the tree.8 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 9

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Irrigation PracticesIt is not easy to determine a plant’s exact water needs, 1½ -4 times wider than the plant canopy. Rooting depthsbecause many factors influence the amount of water a vary depending on plant type. Always irrigate theplant requires—plant type, soils, weather, location, and entire depth and width of the plant root zoneroot depth. Although many desert-adapted plants can regardless of the time of year. Irrigation frequency issurvive on rainfall, supplemental irrigation will be dependent on how quickly the soil dries out. Soil texturerequired for at least one growing season to promote and plant rooting depth will determine the length ofestablishment. Once established (approximately irrigation time; water will move down quickly in sandy2-3 years), irrigation may be necessary only during soils and slowly in clay soils. Use a soil probe, a longdry periods. screwdriver, or a piece of rebar to determine how deeply and widely the water has moved. When dry soil isHow To Irrigate reached the device should stop. To prevent runoff don’tLight, frequent irrigations create shallow, weak root apply water faster than the soil can absorb it. Use dripsystems. Deep, less frequent irrigations encourage irrigation, a soaker hose, or a slowly dripping gardendeep strong root systems that can tolerate longer hose to reduce the flow.periods of drought. Mature root systems are typically Tree canopy 6 - 12" Root depth Root zone/irrigation zone Drip line Drip line Groundcover Irrigation If using flood irrigation, provide a berm or form an irrigation border beyond the canopy drip line to prevent12 - 36" runoff. As the tree matures, move the berm outward to Root zone/irrigation zoneRoot 1 1/2 – 4 times width of tree canopy compensate for the expanding rooting area. If using adepth soaker hose or drip irrigation, a berm is not necessary. Tree Irrigation As the plant matures and the root system expands, add more emitters at and beyond the dripline. In general, Shrub canopy sandy soils will require more closely spaced emitters than clay soils due to the narrow wetting pattern. Re-irrigate when the soil dries out half-way. Feeling the soil, using a soil probe, and observing plant stress will 12 - 24" help determine when to re-irrigate. Stress will occur Root depth more rapidly during warmer summer months and less Root zone/irrigation zone rapidly during spring and fall months. Evergreen plants 1 1/2 – 4 times width of shrub canopy will require infrequent, deep winter irrigations. Shrub Irrigation10 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 11

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PruningWhen To Irrigate Little pruning is required to maintain the beauty andDuring the warmer months, irrigate at night or early natural form of xeriscape plants. If plants are located inmorning (between 3 - 8 a.m.) to reduce water loss due to areas with adequate space, the need for regular pruningevaporation and wind. Soil texture and weather will be greatly reduced or eliminated. However, someconditions will determine the frequency of irrigations. minor pruning may be necessary at times and can beObserve plants regularly for signs of water stress such as beneficial to the plant if done properly.wilted, curled or drooping leaves; yellowing or drop offof older leaves or dead stems or branches. Signs of For very large tree pruning, or trees in contact withexcess water include: brittle leaves remaining on the power lines or electrical conductors, hire a certifiedplant; wilted shoot tips; soft, smelly tissue; and the arborist (contact your local Extension Office or checkpresence of algae or mushrooms. the Yellow Pages). Pruning can be dangerous if done by Emitter an inexperienced person. Wetting pattern Plants should not be pruned immediately after planting except to remove dead, diseased or protruding branches. Once a plant has become established — approximately 1-2 years — conservative New Tree pruning can begin. Always prune to retain the natural shape of the species. While pruning, stand back to view the developing shape. Never remove more than 1/3 of a plant during one season (the exception is rejuvenation of old plant material). If in doubt about what to remove, don’t. Trees: Branches along the lower trunk should be Two to Three Year-old Tree allowed to grow for at least two years before removal because they encourage strong trunk growth, protect the trunk from sunburn and reduce resistance to wind. Remember that trees should never be topped (stubbed). If it is necessary to lower the height, prune back selectively. Always prune back to a side branch that is at least 1/3 - 1/2 the diameter of the size of the branch being cut off. When to Prune Light pruning may be done anytime if proper pruning techniques are followed. For deciduous plants, heavier Mature Tree pruning should be done when plants are dormant—after leaf drop in fall or before bud break in early spring; for evergreen plants, late fall or early spring is best. In Drip Emitter Placement for Trees (overview) general, avoid pruning when plants appear stressed or during periods of prolonged heat or high humidity.12 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 13

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— continuedTo increase bloom, prune spring bloomers just afterperiods of bloom and summer bloomers before budbreak in spring. For plants with more than one bloomingseason, prune after the fall blooming period.How to PruneUse the proper pruning tools and make sure they aresharp and clean. A 10% bleach solution will sterilize 1tools sufficiently. Use a pruning saw for branchesgreater than one inch thick. Always make smooth cutsand avoid crushing plant tissues. Be sure to use the Remove main leaderproper pruning cut to get the desired result. Pruning back to desired heightmethods include thinning, heading, pinching andrejuvenating. TREE PRUNING 2 3 Tree Heading to Control Height Remove back to main stem or branch Branch bark collar Trees: Retain the 2. Overcut 1 2 3 strongest branches. Standard Tree Thinning Remove damaged, weak, crossed or Branch 1. Undercut narrow angled bark branches. Remove 3. Final cut ridge branches protruding into the canopy, Three-point Cut for growing downward Large Branches from the canopy and suckers growing from the ground or base of the plant. Make smaller cuts first. For larger branches, make a three-point cut to prevent 1 2 Remove back 3 to main stem bark tearing. Do not prune into the branch bark ridge or or branch collar. Prune close enough, however, to leave no stub behind. Do not use pruning paint or any kind of Multi-Trunk Tree Thinning sealant.14 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 15

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Shrubs: The pruning principles for trees also apply to Fertilizersshrubs. In most cases, however, shrubs require lesspruning. Avoid shearing shrubs into unnatural forms Xeriscape plants usually do not require fertilizer unless(boxes and balls) and encourage natural growth form. If nutrient deficiencies occur, which is uncommon.shearing or hedging is done keep the bottom of the shrub Fertilizing can be used to encourage rapid growth, butwider in diameter than the top and include some this will also increase water use and pruningthinning cuts. This allows greater sunlight penetration requirements.and encourages internal leaf growth. Nitrogen and iron are the two nutrients most commonlyPinching may be done to promote the development of a lacking or unavailable in desert soils. Nitrogen levels arebushier, more compact shrub. Pinching can take place at low because arid soils lack organic matter. Iron isany time. plentiful but deficiencies occur because iron availability (solubility) in alkaline soils is limited. In addition, New growth New growth weather extremes (cold, wet, or extended dry conditions) can further reduce available iron. Cut Both nitrogen deficiency and iron deficiency can produce chlorosis — yellowing of plant tissues. This is most typically seen in non-native plants. Nitrogen deficiency causes the older leaves of the plant to become chlorotic first; new leaves may follow. Nitrogen Pinching to Encourage Dense Growth deficient plants require fertilization. When iron is deficient plant veins are green and the rest of the leaf isPruning to rejuvenate summer and fall blooming shrubs yellow. New leaves become chlorotic first; older leavesthat have become woody should take place during late may follow. Plants with an iron deficiency may recoverwinter or early spring. For spring blooming shrubs, on their own when the weather is warmer and drier.rejuvenate after the bloom period, but before hot If not, applications of chelated forms of iron may help.weather. Thinning should also be done in the samesequence. Although phosphorus and potassium are plentiful in Old woody desert soils, phosphorus can be incorporated into the soil sparse growth Dense new growth at the time of planting to increase blooming of flowering plants. Fertilizer Types There are two kinds of fertilizers: inorganic and organic. Inorganic fertilizers, such as ammonium nitrate, Before After ammonium sulfate and urea are derived from naturalIf frost damage occurs, remove the damaged tissue when mineral sources. They are highly soluble and releasenew growth appears in spring. For plants that routinely nutrients very quickly. Use an inorganic fertilizer onfreeze in the winter, prune back to the plant base in late plants showing a nutrient deficiency because they releasewinter, approximately six inches. nutrients rapidly and uniformly. Natural organic fertilizers are derived from animal andPlants such as cactus, yuccas, desert spoons, agaves, and plant sources such as compost, blood and bone meal.ocotillos do not require routine pruning. Dead or Always use well-decomposed natural organic material.diseased parts or old flower stalks can be removed Synthetic organics include: ureaformaldehyde (UF),as needed. isobutylidene diurea (IBDU), and sulfur-coated urea16 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 17

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(SCU). Organic fertilizers release nutrients less Mulchesuniformly and more slowly depending on weather A mulch is a layer of insulation between the soil surfaceconditions. In general, organic fertilizers will need to be and the atmosphere. Mulches can reduce evaporation,applied less frequently due to their slow release and erosion and compaction; moderate soil temperatures;inorganics more frequently due to their rapid release. increase water penetration; protect roots from mechanical injury; and reduce weed growth. MulchesWhen to Fertilize can be used to cover large areas, reducing the needApply fertilizers just before or during a growth spurt. for vegetation.(Early spring to late summer) Avoid fertilizing in late There are two types of mulches: organic andfall. This stimulates tender growth that may be frost inorganic. Organic mulches that work well in thesensitive. Plants will not take up nutrients when they are landscape include coarse material, such as wood chips ornot actively growing — during very hot, cold, or wet bark, that will not blow away. Apply organic mulchesconditions. Fertilize before a scheduled irrigation, not 2 to 4 inches deep away from the base of the plant andafter the soil is already wet. out beyond the drip line. As organic mulches decompose, they need to be replaced. Examples ofHow to Fertilize inorganic mulches include decomposed granite, peaAlways irrigate sufficiently when applying fertilizer. gravel and river rock. Apply inorganic mulches 1/2 to 2Nutrients must be dissolved in water to enter the roots of inches deep. All mulches should be kept 6 to 8 inchesthe plant. Watering too deeply can cause nutrients to away from the trunk or base of the main stem.move below the root zone. Phosphorus fertilizers areuseless as topdressing and need to be incorporated intothe soil. Always read and follow the label directions Weed Controlfor application rates and guidelines. Consistent weed control is important because weeds compete with landscape plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Eliminate weeds before they set seed to reduce future weed problems. Manual weed removal can be effective when populations are low. In extreme cases, however, chemical control may be necessary. Black plastic is not recommended for weed control. To prevent future weed seeds from germinating, treat the soil with a pre-emergent. Do not use pre-emergent in areas which contain seeds of desirable plants, such as wildflowers. Mulches can reduce weed seed germination by preventing exposure to sunlight. If a weed problem seems to justify the use of chemicals, contact your local Extension Office to determine which to use and proper uses. Always read and follow label instructions.18 Xeriscape Cooperative Extension 19